System and method for collecting DNA and fingerprints

ABSTRACT

A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

[0001] This claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/374,488 filed on Apr. 23, 2002, incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a system and method for thecollection of a DNA sample(s) and ridge and valley signature(s) from asubject during a continuous time slot, hereinafter called a collectionwindow. More particularly, the present invention provides for bothsimultaneous and combined collection of samples of DNA and ridge andvalley signatures from a subject during a single collection window. Mostparticularly, the present invention provides for both simultaneous andcombined collection in a single physical location of forensic qualitysamples of DNA and ridge and valley signatures from a subject during asingle collection window of no more than about 45 or no more than about30 minutes duration or no more than about 15 minutes duration.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Humans have ridges and valleys on their hands and feet. A ridgeand valley signature is the pattern formed by the ridges and valleyswithin at least one of the areas within the hands and feet. Ridge andvalley impressions from a subject's fingers are commonly known asfingerprints. Animals also commonly have unique patterns on theirfootpads. In dogs and cats, for example, these patterns are called pawprints.

[0006] Many entities collect demographic and ridge and valley signaturedata to verify a subject's identity or to preserve a subject's uniquelyidentifying ridge and valley signatures for later use. Ridge and valleydata are typically collected using paper and ink or optical imagingsystems. Biometrics is the science of using digital technology toidentify individuals based on that individual's unique physical andbiological qualities, e.g., fingerprints, iris scans, and DNA. Thesebiological qualities can be captured at different levels with the mostuseful and accurate being forensic quality. For example, the U. S.Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains standards for forensic qualityridge and valley signature capture and transmission. The standards areset forth in the following documents, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference:

[0007] Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint Information,ANSI/NIST-CSL 1-1993.

[0008] Electronic Fingerprint Transmission Specification, Federal Bureauof Investigation, March 1998, CJIS-RS-0010 (V6R2).

[0009] When ridge and valley signatures are captured according to thesestandards, the signatures are said to be of forensic quality. Amongother attributes, forensic quality signatures must digitally representthe ridge and valley patterns of an individual as an image with at least500 dots per inch resolution.

[0010] Another biometric tool that has been increasingly used in the lawenforcement field is DNA association with an individual. It should beunderstood that in the text of this patent that “DNA sample” and “DNAbearing sample” both mean a biological sample that contains DNA whichcan be analyzed with scientific methods. The Federal Bureau ofInvestigation maintains a DNA database, called the Combined DNA IndexSystem, or CODIS, through which Federal, State, and Local lawenforcement agencies may request forensic DNA matching. The forensicquality of CODIS and any State or Local DNA database is maintained byusing recognized DNA sampling guidelines. These guidelines are:

[0011] 1. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must wear clean,dry rubber gloves and change them between collecting samples.

[0012] 2. Any instruments used by a system monitor for the collection ofa DNA sample (e.g., scissors, swabs, etc) must either be disposed of orthoroughly cleaned and dried between collecting samples.

[0013] 3. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must avoid touchingthe area where the DNA is located.

[0014] 4. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must not sneeze,cough, talk, or otherwise release saliva over the sample.

[0015] 5. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must not touchhis/her face or other body parts while collecting the sample.

[0016] 6. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must ensure than nohairs, eyelashes, or other such personal substances of the systemmonitor touch the DNA sample.

[0017] 7. The collected DNA sample must be completely air-dried beforepackaging and, preferably, the drying environment should be sterile toprevent environmental contamination.

[0018] 8. The collected and air-dried DNA sample should be placed into anew, clean, dry, paper bag for transportation and not in a plastic bag,since plastic bags can retain moisture that can degrade the forensicquality of the DNA sample.

[0019] 9. Externally applied tape should be used to securely close a bagcontaining a DNA sample as staples can physically harm the DNA sample,or chemically contaminate it.

[0020] 10. A DNA sample must be stored in a cool, dry location, out ofdirect sunlight because sunlight, heat, and moisture can damage the DNAsample.

[0021] 11. All DNA samples must be packaged independently of one anotherto avoid cross-contamination.

[0022] 12. The DNA sample collection medium, such as adhesive paper ortape, must never be exposed to the environment until the DNA sample isto be taken, and should be kept in a sterile package until needed, inorder to prevent environmental contamination.

[0023] The following documents provide further background informationconcerning DNA collection standards and the entire contents of each areincorporated herein by reference.

[0024]What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence.National Institute of Justice, Brochure #BC000614, NIJ, September 1999.http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/bc0006.pdf

[0025]Collection and Preservation of Evidence. Schiro, George, LouisianaState Police Crime Laboratory.http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/evidenc3.html

[0026]Collection Of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Reference Specimens ToAid In Remains Identification, Commandant of the Marine Corps, MarineCorps Order #MCO 1771.1A, Jun. 15, 1999.http://www.usmc.mil/directiv.nsf/df51342d91236d2685256517004eb026/883ca1c315d11fe9852568500061751a?OpenDocument

[0027]Evidence Handling Guide, L.A. Department of Public Safety andCorrections, Office of State Police, Crime Laboratory.

[0028] Early patents directed to capture and enhancement of images offingerprints did not yield forensic quality prints and/or did notcapture a subject's DNA. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,982,836,4,120,585, and 4,340,300 all issued well prior to the FBI's definitionof forensic quality prints therefore these systems had not been designedwith these exacting standards in mind. Likewise, such fingerprintingpatents make no provision for collection of DNA samples. U.S. Pat. No.3,982,836 to Green et al., the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference, teaches a transparent pressure-sensitive gel forcapturing a pattern of a finger being pressed thereon, through which gela beam of polarized collimated light is passed and the modified lightbeam emitted by the gel being projected through a polarization analyzerto produce an enhanced image of the fingerprint that is input to animage comparator.

[0029] U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,585 to De Palma et al., the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference, teaches a pliable opticalprism that deforms to partially capture a mirrored topographicconfiguration of the surface of a finger pressed thereon, for productionof an image that is input to an optical imaging system (such as afingerprint reader).

[0030] U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,300 to Ruell, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference, teaches a transparent polymerfingerbed that is elastic to form a topographic relief of a fingerpattern, the fingerbed facing a sensor plate having a light sourcecoupled to one edge such that the output beam is directed onto a lightsensitive are of an electro-optical sensing array for input to an imageprocessing system.

[0031] A large body of later patents exists for devices that captureridge and valley data digitally using optical imaging systems. A varietyof other collection techniques have been developed and patented as wellthat rely on physical properties such as capacitance, infra-redradiation, and ultrasound.

[0032] U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,347 to Podmaniczky et al., the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference, teaches anoptical imaging system between an object plane of a total reflectionprism and an image plane, mainly for a fingerprint reading apparatus,comprising an optics for imaging the object plane to the image plane,and an electronic image detector in the image plane. The prism has afirst surface receiving light for illuminating the object plane throughthe interior of the prism and a further surface through which lightreflected from the object plane passes towards the optics.

[0033] U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,969 to Keagy et al., the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference, teaches a thin, inexpensive,removable platen for a direct fingerprint reader without a permanentlyattached platen, wherein the platen is removable and is formed as atransparent area on a credit card, passport or identification card or asa separate card. The portable platen on the card is inserted over animaging area of a direct fingerprint reader and light from the directfingerprint reader passes through an optical surface formed on theunderside of the portable platen, is reflected off the fingerprint andpasses back through the optical surface to the imaging apparatus wherethe image is digitized and analyzed and having the optical surface isformed such that the incident light is not refracted away from thefingerprint and the reflected light from the fingerprint is notrefracted away from the imaging apparatus.

[0034] U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,665 to Suga, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference, teaches a fingerprint detecting deviceincluding a flat transparent body, a light source, a thin surface filmlayer, a fluid layer, and an image detection unit, wherein thetransparent body on which a skin surface of a finger is pressed has asurface constituted by a scattering surface with a finethree-dimensional unevenness such that the light source irradiatesincident light from inside of the transparent body on the skin surfacepressed against the surface of the transparent body, the surface filmlayer is formed on the surface of the transparent body via a small gap,on which a three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface is transferredby pressing the finger, the fluid layer is formed by sealing one of agas and a liquid in the gap between the surface of the transparent bodyand the surface film layer, and is pressed by the surface film layer onwhich the three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface is transferredand the image detection unit detects an image fingerprint pattern on thebasis of the light from the light source, the reflection of which ischanged at the surface of the transparent body, when the surface filmlayer comes into contact with the surface of the transparent body inaccordance with the three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface.

[0035] U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,319 to Fujiwara, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference, teaches a fingerprint inputapparatus that includes a prism, a light source, a pinhole, and animaging plane, wherein the prism is placed such that a surface in onedirection serves as a fingerprint collection surface, the light sourceirradiates light on the fingerprint collection surface through theprism, the pinhole is set in the path of light which is reflected by thepattern surface of a finger placed on the fingerprint collection surfaceand emerges from the prism such that the light emerging from the prismand passing through the pinhole is formed into an image on the imagingplane and when the prism is substituted by air, an optical fingerprintcollection surface equivalent to the fingerprint collection surface isset to be substantially parallel to the imaging plane.

[0036] None of these systems capture forensic quality ridge and valleysignatures and DNA samples. However, there are existing optical imagingsystems, known as LiveScan systems, which capture forensic quality ridgeand valley signatures directly into a digitized format as opposed totraditional ink and paper methods. There are also various means ofcollecting DNA samples. For instance, existing methods include blooddrawing, hair pulling, and buccal swabbing.

[0037] Livescan refers to the use of a computer-based device which readsthe fingerprint patterns of a subject directly from the subject'sfingers. Therefore, the prints are collected into an electronic mediumfrom a “live” person's fingers rather than being read from an inkedpaper card.

[0038] The device typically uses a specially coated glass platform orplaten upon which the subject's fingers are rolled or pressed. Imagesare captured from underneath the platen by one or multiple ChargedCouple Device cameras (CCD) or one or multiple CMOS cameras andconverted into digital files. Captured images, along with thedemographic information about the subject, can then be transmittedelectronically to a central database for print comparison.

[0039] For example, LiveScan systems are available from sources listedin TABLE 1. TABLE 1 Name Web Address Cross Match Technologieshttp://www.crossmatch.com Heimann Biometric Systemshttp://www.hbs-jena.com/ Identix http://www.identix.com/ Printrakhttp://www.printrakinternational.com/

[0040] Cross Match Technologies manufactures a LiveScan device on whicha silicone film is placed directly on a platen and the person pressesdirectly into the silicone film to enhance fingerprint image quality.The film is not removable on a person-by-person basis and is notdesigned to collect DNA.

[0041] While LiveScan is designed to capture both rolled and slappedfingerprints, other devices that capture one or several fingerprints notconforming to the FBI specification exist. Single digit capture deviceswhich capture one digit at a time are available from sources listed inTABLE 2. TABLE 2 Name Web Address Cross Match Technologieshttp://www.crossmatch.com Exact ID http://www.exactid.com/ Identixhttp://www.identix.com/ Secugen http://www.secugen.com

[0042] These systems may not collect forensic quality images as definedabove by the FBI and none of these existing single digit capture devicesalso collects DNA.

[0043] Another significant problem of most prior art optical imagingsystems is that these may produce ridge and valley signatures that aredistorted due to movement of the ridge and valley area on the surface ofthe scanning device as the ridge and valley area is being scanned.Observed distortions include smudging and stretching of ridge and valleypatterns. All prior art systems do not possess the capability tooptionally acquire DNA samples as the ridge and valley signatures arebeing collected.

[0044] Regardless of the collection method, each prior art forensicquality ridge and valley signature results in data presumed to uniquelyidentify an individual to those skilled in the art of fingerprintidentification. Usage of the ridge and valley signatures in this waymakes ridge and valley signature association with an individual a veryvaluable biometric tool.

[0045] Most of the prior art DNA sampling techniques are unsuitable formass collection of DNA samples. For example, invasive prior arttechniques, such as finger pricking, blood drawing, and oral swab, caneasily create situations in which the system monitor and the subject areboth placed at risk. In addition, the system monitor must have specialtraining. A less invasive technique, such as skin scraping, is also notacceptable since preparation to take the sample may irritate the subjectdue to removal of body hair or live skin tissue. In each of these cases,maintaining the training and the tools required for DNA sampling can bevery costly.

[0046] A prior art technique to take DNA samples from a subject's ridgeand valley areas provides a non-invasive method in which preparation isminimal and the risks to all parties are minimized. U.S. Pat. No.6,355,439 to Chung, et al., the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference, teaches a method and a combined kitfor taking a sample of the epidermis by means of an adhesive sheet andstoring the sample, and extracting DNA from the epidermis sample stuckto the adhesive sheet.

[0047] Published U.S. patent application Ser. No. 20020037094, by SalvaCalcagno and Eduardo Luis, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference, discloses a safety identification device forcollecting fingerprints and DNA related material from an individual, foruse in verifying the identity of an individual, such as in documents andforms. The device comprises at least one layer for collecting andretaining the fingerprint and the material from the individual, and atleast another layer attached to the at least one layer for protectingand preserving the material for determining the DNA of the individual.This patent application considers the use of OCR for fingerprintmatching. OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, is used extensively forreading alphabetic characters but, as those skilled in the art know, OCRis not used for matching fingerprints. Further, this patent applicationteaches collection from only the fingers of an individual and does notconsider collection from the remainder of the hands or the feet. SalvaCalcagno and Eduardo Luis do not teach or suggest collection of forensicquality ridge and valley signatures. For example, as a subject appliestheir ridge and valley signatures to a DNA capture film, certainportions of the ridges may not contribute to the DNA sample since thereis no bio-matter on that portion of the skin. Hence, when the DNAcapture labels are enhanced there are breaks in the ridge patterns.Likewise, there may be filled-in portions in the valleys as someportions of the valleys may contain excessive bio-matter. For thesereasons, the ridge and valley signatures obtained with the method ofCalcagno et al. cannot meet the stringent requirements of beingclassified as forensic quality ridge and valley signatures. Calcagno etal. teaches an invention that is noninvasive and uses DNA capture filmto acquire a sample of a subject's DNA. However, its non-invasive DNAcollection system fails to provide for the collection of forensicquality ridge and valley signatures, at the same time or otherwise.

[0048] WO 97/18009, the entire contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference, discloses a system and a kit for non-invasive collectionof DNA-bearing material from the inner cheeks of a living person orcorpse. This includes swabs of high modulus fibers that scrape DNAmaterial from the inner cheeks to obtain sufficient material for futureidentification. It specifically teaches away from sampling cells fromskin. It also mentions a kit that includes the swabs and a means forobtaining and recording ink fingerprints.

[0049] U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,922 to Harvey, et al., incorporated herein byreference, discloses devices and methods for the collection, storage,and purification of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, from fluidsamples for subsequent genetic characterization, primarily byconventional amplification methods. It can be used to collect, store, orpurify nucleic acids either from a biological source other thanuntreated whole blood, the biological source having naturally occurringnucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, (including either abuccal swab, cerebrospinal fluid, feces, lymphatic fluid, a plasmasample, a saliva sample, a serum sample, urine, or a suspension of cellsor viruses), or from a treated whole blood source that has naturallyoccurring nucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, as well asadded blood stabilization components that also inhibit nucleic acidamplification. In particular, an absorbent material that does not bindnucleic acids irreversibly is impregnated with a chaotropic salt. Abiological source sample is contacted with the impregnated absorbentmaterial. Any nucleic acids present in the biological source can beeither eluted or resolubilized off the absorbent material.

[0050] Therefore, in view of the above-described references, there stillexists a need for a noninvasive DNA collection system that capturesforensic quality DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures (forensicquality or otherwise), during a single data collection window, toincrease the available DNA database collection as well as improve theefficiency, effectiveness, safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness ofDNA and fingerprint sample collection. That there has been a long-feltneed for such a forensic quality system is indicated by the length oftime that has elapsed since the filing of the first patent cited abovethat teaches capturing live fingerprints, some 29 years, without theinvention of such a system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0051] A system that collects DNA samples and ridge and valleysignatures from the same subject during the same collection window addsvalue to forensic data collection processes. Since collection of the DNAsamples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collectionwindow, it can be assured that the DNA sample and ridge and valleysignature identify the same individual. As the body of DNA samples growsin such a fashion, more crimes may be efficiently solved because manymore DNA samples exist with which to accurately identify allegedcriminals.

[0052] The apparatus and method of the present invention provide asystem and method for noninvasive forensic DNA sampling and forensicquality ridge and valley signature collection, comprising:

[0053] at least one DNA capture film (typically a rigid DNA capturesheet or plate or a flexible DNA capture film) that captures DNA samplesnon-invasively;

[0054] for a single subject during a single collection window, means forcollecting both a DNA sample using this DNA capture film and forcollecting at least one forensic quality ridge and valley signature;

[0055] means for specifying an identifier for linking the collected DNAsample and the collected ridge and valley signature(s);

[0056] in one preferred embodiment, an optical system as the means forcapturing forensic quality ridge and valley signatures;

[0057] means for improving the capture of ridge and valley signatures byusing the principle of adhesion to reduce smudges and distortions.

[0058] In a typical embodiment, samples are collected using atransparent DNA capture film having opposed first and second surfacestypically with a substrate sandwiched between the surfaces. The firstsurface has an adhesive to remove biological matter such as dead skinand oils from the ridge and valley surface using the principle ofadhesion. If the system uses total internal reflectance to opticallycapture ridge and valley signature images, the second surface mayprovide a film such as a silicone film or an adhesive silicone film sothat air bubbles between the film and the platen will be completelyremoved. Air bubbles in this type of system will image the bubbles verywell thereby corrupting the ridge and valley signature images.

[0059] Thus, a free standing DNA capture film comprising opposed firstand second surfaces may be employed, the first surface comprisingadhesive and the second surface comprising a material having a surfaceenergy sufficient to adhere to a platen made of glass or transparentsolid polymer (for example acrylates or polycarbonates having few, ifany defects, or other materials suitable for platens), such thatpresence of bubbles between the film and the platen is sufficientlyavoided to capture forensic quality fingerprints. By free standing filmis meant a film before being used, e.g., placed on a platen.

[0060] The system for capturing ridge and valley signatures may employenergy waves, such as light as described above, or other energy wavessuch as electromagnetic waves, capacitance, infra-red or sonic, e.g.,ultrasound based systems. When the term imaging system is used in thecontext of capturing ridge and valley signatures, this term is taken tomean any system that captures a digital or analog representation ofridge and valley signatures.

[0061] For use with optical systems the capture film is typicallytransparent. Other systems such as direct optical systems that do notrely on total internal reflectance, as well as capacitance, infra-redand sonic, e.g., ultrasound based systems or other energy wave basedsystems, could use either such a silicone film or any other adhesivefilm that does not corrupt the quality of the images, e,g., an sonicbased system may employ transparent or opaque films. The substrates uponwhich the adhesive film is placed can be any of a variety of polymersubstrates, typically polymer films. Examples of suitable polymer filmsinclude polyester, polycarbonate and nylon, for example. Silicone sheetsor films are also suitable substrates for the DNA capture film. Thesubstrates may be flexible or rigid and are generally insoluble in wateror other materials they may contact.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, a forensic quality ridge and valleysignature is captured optically using a high-resolution image sensorsuch as a digital camera in conjunction with optics.

[0063] If desired the invention employs a process for a system monitorto collect a sample according to a preferred embodiment, which comprisessoliciting and recording demographic data as well as combined collectionof ridge and valley signature data and DNA. In an alternative embodimentDNA samples and the ridge and valley signatures are captured during thesame collection window but not simultaneously, i.e., differentsubprocesses are employed for each type of sample.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064]FIG. 1a illustrates a top view of a prior art optical scanningsystem for the capture of ridge and valley signatures.

[0065]FIG. 1b illustrates a side view of the prior art optical scanningsystem of FIG. 1a.

[0066]FIG. 2a illustrates a top view of one type of DNA capture film foruse with an optical scanning system according to the present inventionfor simultaneous DNA and ridge and valley signature collection.

[0067]FIG. 2b illustrates a side view of the DNA capture film of FIG.2a.

[0068]FIG. 3a illustrates a top view of a DNA capture film for use innon-optical DNA sampling.

[0069]FIG. 3b illustrates a side view of the DNA capture film of FIG.3a.

[0070]FIG. 4 illustrates a process flow diagram of simultaneous captureof DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures during the samecollection window and using the same capture medium, according to thepresent invention.

[0071]FIG. 5 illustrates the process flow for combined capturing of DNAsamples and ridge and valley signatures using separate capture medianon-simultaneously during the same collection window, according to thepresent invention.

[0072]FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a system comprising a DNAcapture film and an optical scanning system for the simultaneous captureof DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures, according to the presentinvention.

[0073]FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the capture film as a roll betweenreels.

[0074]FIG. 8 shows an embodiment employing a capture film unreeling onone reel to be placed over a platen and then cut after use by a knife.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0075]FIGS. 1a and 1 b illustrate a top view of an optical scanningsystem for the capture of ridge and valley signatures for use in thepresent invention. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a and 1 b, aforensic quality ridge and valley signature is captured optically usinga high-resolution image sensor such as a digital camera 102 inconjunction with optics. The optics commonly used comprise right angleprisms 101 that apply the principle of total internal reflection tocreate a ridge and valley image. The top 100 of the right angle prism101 on which a ridge and valley containing area is placed for signaturecapture is called the optical platen 100.

[0076]FIG. 6 shows a typical embodiment of an optical scanning system,for the capture of ridge and valley signatures for use in the presentinvention, wherein DNA samples are collected using a transparent DNAcapture film 201. FIGS. 2a and 3 a show a top view of the capture film201 wherein relative dimensions are listed for typical embodiments ininches.

[0077] Typical DNA capture films are selected from adhesive sheet, astaught by Chung, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,355,439, or other suitable DNAcapture films.

[0078]FIG. 2b shows an embodiment of the capture film 201 having opposedfirst and second surfaces typically with a substrate (transparentinsoluble film) sandwiched between the surfaces (see FIG. 2b). The firstsurface has a transparent adhesive layer to remove biological mattersuch as dead skin and oils from the ridge and valley surface using theprinciple of adhesion. In FIG. 2b the substrate itself provides thesecond surface. Typically there is also a protective sheet above theadhesive (See FIG. 2b). The capture sheet of FIG. 2b may be employedwith a system using total internal reflectance to optically captureridge and valley signatures. However, if desired, a modified capturefilm 201 may be employed, with the system using total internalreflectance to optically capture ridge and valley signature images,wherein the second surface may provide a film such as a silicone film(FIG. 2c) so that air bubbles between the film 201 and the platen 602(see FIG. 6) will be completely removed. Air bubbles in this type ofsystem are undesirable because the system will image the bubbles verywell thereby corrupting the ridge and valley signature images.

[0079]FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a process wherein asystem monitor (person operating the system) uses an embodiment of thepresent invention, for example the embodiment of FIG. 6, to collect asample. The process comprises soliciting and recording demographic data400 as well as combined collection of ridge and valley signature dataand DNA. In the process illustrated in FIG. 4, the system monitorprepares a transparent DNA capture film by first obtaining a newtransparent DNA capture film 401. After obtaining the new DNA capturefilm 401, the DNA capture film identifier as imprinted, manually orotherwise, on the DNA capture film border is collected 402. Typical waysto provide an identifier include but are not limited to preprinted barcodes, dynamically generated bar codes, computer generated identifiers,and computer reference numbers, such as an existing case number or otherpersonal identification number such as a social security number or eventhe test subject's name.

[0080] The DNA capture film is positioned and secured on top of thescanning device's platen 404, typically with spring clips, and theprotective covering of the DNA capture film is pulled back 403. Next,combined capture of a DNA sample and a ridge and valley signature isaccomplished 405, 406. The system monitor continually repositions andsecures the DNA capture film so that the next area from which a sampleis to be taken is placed completely over the platen 404. By moving thefilm, total internal reflection based systems will not have degradedimages from biological material left on the film. Note that systems notbased on total internal reflectance may not require that the film bemoved since the biological material may not interfere with capturinghigh quality images. As the subject has a DNA sample taken from each ofthe areas to be captured, an optical image of the ridge and valleystructure is taken simultaneously. A benefit of using the adhesive DNAcapture film is that as the ridge and valley signatures are collected ina rolled manner, i.e., by rolling a ridge and valley area over thecapture film, distortions and smudges will be reduced in the resultingimages since the adhesive inhibits the subject from moving the ridge andvalley area that is on top of the platen. Upon completion of DNA andridge and valley sample collection, the system monitor replaces theprotective covering on the DNA capture film 408, removes the DNA capturefilm from the platen, prepares the necessary report(s) that incorporatethe appropriate demographic data and DNA capture film identifier 409,410, sends DNA capture film and associated report(s) to the appropriateDNA extraction laboratory 412, and sends the ridge and valley signaturereport(s) to the appropriate governing authorities 411.

[0081]FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment wherein DNA samples and theridge and valley signatures are captured during the same collectionwindow but not simultaneously, i.e., different subprocesses are employedfor each type of sample. In FIG. 5, a DNA sample is collected using aDNA capture film 500, e.g., adhesive film, and ridge and valleysignatures are separately captured 509 using a capture vehicle, e.g.,ink impressions applied to a paper fingerprint card or even usingoptical imaging. The reports generated 505, 510 utilize the collecteddemographic data 516 and the DNA capture film identifier as applied,manually or otherwise, to the DNA capture film, i.e., the demographicdata and DNA capture film identifier are associative, linking the DNAsample and ridge and valley signatures together as originating with asingle subject.

[0082] The collection process starts when a subject arrives to haveridge and valley signatures and/or DNA samples taken. Referring to FIGS.4 and 5 if a DNA sample is being collected, the subject is asked to washand dry their hands or feet 414, 502. It is important that the handsand/or the feet be clean to ensure that the DNA sample will reflect thesubject's DNA and not that of someone or something that the subjectrecently came in contact with. However, it is also acceptable to sampleDNA from an individual without having recently washed their hands. Insuch cases, stricter controls can be adopted and/or outcomes can behandled effectively as long as it is known a mixed sample could beobtained. Likewise, the skin should be as dry as possible so that if anadhesive label is being used to collect DNA this label can collect asubstantial enough sampling of bio-matter from the skin of the subject.The system monitor continuously observes the forensic DNA samplingguidelines as outlined above when a DNA sample is to be taken.

[0083] Regardless of what type(s) of sample are being collected, thesystem monitor asks questions of the subject so that demographic dataand other data is collected 400, 516. Demographic data may include thesubject's name, address, phone number, social security number, and otheridentifying data to be used to associate the collected samples with thesubject for future identification and for entry into databases forfuture reference.

[0084] The process for the capture of DNA varies according to the systemmonitor's local policy. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG.4, optical capture of the ridge and valley signatures and DNA samplescapture occur simultaneously while in another preferred embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5 the ridge and valley signatures and DNA samplesuse different capture technologies for each data type. Both FIGS. 4 and5 illustrate capture from a single subject during a single collectionwindow.

[0085] When DNA sampling is to take place, the system monitor removes asingle copy of a new DNA capture film 401, 500 from a sanitarycontainer.

[0086] At a point after the DNA capture film has been removed from thesanitary container, the DNA capture film identifier is collected 402,517. In a preferred embodiment, a computer program can generate this DNAcapture film identifier and the identifier is then applied to the borderof the DNA capture film. In another preferred embodiment, the DNAcapture film itself may be pre-printed with this identifier so thatcollection of the identifier is merely reading the identifier on the DNAcapture film border, manually or otherwise, for inclusion with thedemographic data.

[0087] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the systemmonitor then places the DNA capture film 201 onto the optical imagingsystem to position 404 the portion of the DNA capture film marked “R.Little” 200 (FIG. 2a; for Right Little finger) above the platen 602. Thesystem monitor ensures any spring clips, intended to maintain theposition of the DNA capture film on the optical scanning device 601, areproperly positioned. At the same time, the system monitor ensures thespring clips never contact the DNA capture film throughout the captureprocess. Should the spring clips touch the DNA capture film, this DNAcapture film is considered to be contaminated and must be discarded anda new DNA capture film together with a new label must be obtained andused to ensure the DNA capture film and label are not contaminated.Referring now to FIGS. 2a, 4, 5, and 6, the system monitor pulls back403, 501 the protective covering of the film 600.

[0088] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrating combined and simultaneoussample capture, once the DNA capture film has been secured above theplaten 602, e.g., with spring clips, and the protective covering hasbeen pulled back 403 the system monitor picks up the subject's RightLittle finger and rolls the fingerprint of the Right Little finger ontothe area of the DNA capture film 201 marked as “R. Little” 200. Duringthis rolling operation, a DNA sample of the subject's “R. Little” fingeris captured 405 by the DNA capture film 201 at the same time the opticalimaging system 601 takes an optical image 406 of the ridges and valleysof the subject's “R. Little” finger. Referring now to FIG. 5illustrating non-simultaneous collection during the same collectionwindow, either the DNA sample or the ridge and valley signatures arecollected during separate subprocesses 514 and 515.

[0089] For simultaneous capture, the system monitor moves a fingerprintidentification card bearing the capture film, or upon which the capturefilm is placed, to the next position on the DNA capture film ensuringthat the next fingerprint position of the card is completely above theplaten 602. When the DNA capture film has been properly placed into thenext position, the system monitor either rolls the fingerprint asappropriate or takes a slap print as appropriate. The repositioning ofthe DNA capture film continues until all required ridge and valleysignature areas have been captured. In a preferred embodiment, each DNAcapture film has ten positions for rolled fingerprints—one position foreach finger and thumb. It also has four positions for slap prints—printsthat are taken by merely setting one's fingers on the surface andapplying pressure. The slap positions are for the left four fingerstogether, the right four fingers together, the left thumb and the rightthumb. For non-simultaneous capture the ridge and valley signaturecollection device is manipulated in a similar fashion to obtain a fullset of ridge and valley signatures from the subject.

[0090] In the non-simultaneous case, a DNA capture film 201, asillustrated in FIGS. 3a, 3 b, may be used for a DNA sample collection.In this case, the system monitor prepares the DNA capture film 500, 501and then the subject may apply an entire hand or foot to the DNA capturefilm 201. In all preferred embodiments of the invention, only smallamounts of DNA samples are actually required; the discussion to thispoint has provided for over sampling of DNA in the case that multipleDNA extractions must be performed from the same DNA capture film.

[0091] In both of the preferred embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 and5, after the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures have beencaptured from all of the subject's ridge and valley areas, the DNAsamples and the ridge and valley signatures must be prepared fordelivery to the appropriate authorities. The first step in making thispreparation is to replace the protective covering on the DNA capturefilm 408, 504. The DNA capture film is then removed from the opticalscanning device, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Zero or more reports aregenerated for each of the DNA sample and the ridge and valley signaturesample 409, 410, 505, 510. These reports include portions of thedemographic data collected 400, 516. In addition, the DNA capture filmidentifier may be used in a report to maintain the proper associationbetween the DNA sample, the ridge and valley signatures, and thesubject. Reports may be generated manually, electronically, or usingboth manual and electronic methods. Once the reports are complete, thereports are delivered to the appropriate authority using the deliverymethod prescribed by the system monitor's organization.

[0092] If desired the DNA capture film can be used as sheets (asdescribed above) or a roll configuration (not shown) wherein the filmcomes off a roll and after use it may be recovered using a take up reelor cutting off the unrolled portion of the rolled film after use forsending to a laboratory for analysis.

[0093]FIG. 7 shows an embodiment employing the roll configuration whichcomprises a capture film 701 unreeling on one of reel 702 to be placedover a platen 704 of an imaging device 700 and being taken up after useon another reel 702.

[0094]FIG. 8 shows another embodiment employing the roll configurationwhich comprises a capture film 701 unreeling on one of reel 702 to beplaced over a platen 704 of an imaging device 700 and being cut afteruse by a knife 710. After cutting the cut portion of film is stored.

[0095] As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the system and methodof the present invention applies to many population groups including,but not limited to, alleged criminals, governmental employees, airportemployees, hazardous material drivers, school system employees, sexoffenders, unidentified corpses, stock brokerage employees, and publicutility employees.

[0096] The examples discussed are for illustrative and for discussionpurposes only, and are not intended to represent any limiting manner ofuse of the present invention.

[0097] The example of using DNA capture films and optical scanningdevices for ridge and valley signature capture is by way of example andis not intended in any limiting sense with respect to use of othernoninvasive methods for DNA sample collection or other methods ofcapturing forensic quality ridge and valley signatures during the sametime window. For example, the DNA capture film may be used in ridge andvalley signature collection devices whose sensors are based upon theprincipals of capacitance, infra-red energy, sonic waves, e.g.,ultrasound, or other energy waves. Or, capture of fingerprints by asystem according to the present invention may not be in accordance withthe Live Scan specification (i.e., the system used may capture only asingle fingerprint). Further, these systems may not collect forensicquality images, where the FBI has established the definition of forensicquality. Because of this, the DNA film does not have to be opticallyclear, with clarity depending upon the method of sampling.

[0098] In addition, this invention need not be limited to humanapplication. Applications to animals, such as dogs, may be useful forpaw prints and DNA samples.

[0099] Processing the Sample

[0100] The DNA sample may be used in any of a variety of tests. Forexample, the DNA in the sample can be extracted and analyzed. Forexample, the cells can be resuspended in a buffer and the DNA extractedusing: commercially available kits such as, but not only, DNA IQ andQuickAmp Extraction; proteases such as Proteinase K, detergents such assodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and chaotropic agents such as urea orguanidine and diatomceous earth or silica particles; organic solventextraction such as phenol/chloroform and DNA precipitation. Someexamples of DNA analyses include, but are not limited to, PolymeraseChain Reaction followed by gel electrophoresis; PCR followed by STRfragment analysis; PCR followed by DNA sequencing; Southern Blotanalysis; whole genome amplification or replication followed by DNAsequencing or Southern Blot analysis.

[0101] In view of the above it is apparent that embodiments other thanthose described above may come within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Thus, the present invention is not limited by theabove-described description but rather is defined by the followingclaims.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for collecting at least one ridge and valleysignature and at least one DNA sample of a test subject, said apparatuscomprising: at least one DNA capture film for collecting the at leastone DNA sample non-invasively; imaging system for collecting the atleast one ridge and valley signature; and means for specifying anidentifier that links the collected at least one DNA sample with thecollected at least one ridge and valley signature; wherein at least oneDNA capture film and the imaging system are in sufficient proximity forcollecting the DNA sample and the signature for the test subject duringa single collection window.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said atleast one ridge and valley signature and said at least one DNA sampleare collected simultaneously.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidcollection window is a continuous time slot of no more than forty-fiveminutes.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the DNA sample is offorensic quality; and the ridge and valley signature is of forensicquality.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising an imaging system forcollecting the at least one ridge and valley signature, wherein theimaging system is arranged in alignment with the DNA capture film. 6.The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the imaging system comprises a platenand the platen is arranged in alignment with the DNA capture film. 7.The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the DNA sample is of forensicquality; and the ridge and valley signature is of forensic quality. 8.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said film comprises means forsimultaneously collecting said at least one ridge and valley signatureand said at least one DNA sample.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein:the at least one DNA capture film has opposed first and second surfaces,the first surface comprising adhesive, the film being removable on anindividual basis; and a ridge and valley signature is collected by saidimaging system from an energy wave transmitted through the film.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein: the at least one DNA capture film is afree standing DNA capture film comprising opposed first and secondsurfaces, the first surface comprising adhesive and the second surfacecomprising a material having a surface energy sufficient to adhere to aplaten made of glass or transparent solid polymer such that presence ofbubbles between the film and the platen is sufficiently avoided suchthat forensic quality fingerprints are capturable, said film istransparent and said imaging system comprises an optical imaging systemfor optically collecting a ridge and valley signature from a beam oflight transmitted through a topological impression made by the personpressing on said film.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the atleast one DNA capture film has opposed first and second surfaces, thefirst surface comprising adhesive the second surface comprisingsilicone, the film being removable on an individual basis, said film istransparent and said imaging system comprises an optical imaging systemfor optically collecting a ridge and valley signature from a beam oflight transmitted through a topological impression made by the personpressing on said film.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the atleast one DNA capture film is a transparent silicone film said filmbeing removable on an individual basis; and a ridge and valley signatureis optically collected by said optical imaging system from a beam oflight transmitted through a topological impression made by said personpressing on said film.
 13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein saidcollection window is a continuous time slot of no more than forty-fiveminutes.
 14. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising means forimproving the optical collection of ridge and valley signatures.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein said improving means comprise an adhesiveto reduce movement of the test subject and thereby reducing smudges anddistortions.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means forcollecting said at least one ridge and valley signature is a LiveScansystem.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for collectingsaid at least one ridge and valley signature is selected from the groupconsisting of a single digit capture device and a multiple simultaneousdigit capture device.
 18. A method for collecting at least one ridge andvalley signature and at least one DNA sample from a test subject, saidmethod comprising the steps of: providing a DNA capture film; during asingle collection window performing the steps of: (a) positioning anarea to be sampled over the DNA capture film, (b) collecting a DNAsample with said DNA capture film from the positioned area, (c)collecting a ridge and valley signature from the test subject.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, further comprising, repositioning the DNA film forcollecting DNA from another area of the test subject and collecting asecond ridge and valley from the test subject during said collectionwindow.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the DNA capture film hasopposed first and second surfaces, the first surface comprisingadhesive, and the collecting steps are combined by performing the stepsof: (b.1) collecting a DNA sample and a corresponding ridge and valleystructure thereon through pressure on the adhesive, and (b.2) collectingan image of the ridge and valley structure from an energy wave passedthrough said film.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the secondsurface comprises silicone, the film is transparent, and the collectingsteps are combined by performing the steps of: (b.1) collecting a DNAsample and a corresponding ridge and valley structure thereon throughpressure of the area on the film, and (b.2) optically collecting animage of the obtained ridge and valley structure from a beam of lightpassed through said transparent adhesive silicone film.
 22. The methodof claim 20, wherein the film comprises a transparent silicone film, andthe collecting steps are combined by performing the steps of: (b.1)collecting a DNA sample and a corresponding ridge and valley structurethereon through pressure of the area on the film, and (b.2) opticallycollecting an image of the obtained ridge and valley structure from abeam of light passed through said transparent adhesive silicone film.23. The method of claim 18, wherein said collecting steps are performedsimultaneously.
 24. The method of claim 20, wherein said collectingsteps are performed simultaneously.
 25. The method of claim 21, whereinsaid collecting steps are performed simultaneously.
 26. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the DNA capture film comprises opposed first andsecond surfaces, the first surface comprising adhesive and the secondsurface comprising a material having a surface energy sufficient toadhere to a platen made of glass or transparent solid polymer such thatpresence of bubbles between the film and the platen is sufficientlyavoided to capture forensic quality fingerprints.
 27. A free standingDNA capture film comprising opposed first and second surfaces, the firstsurface comprising adhesive and the second surface comprising a materialhaving a surface energy sufficient to adhere to a platen made of glassor transparent solid polymer such that presence of bubbles between thefilm and the platen is sufficiently avoided such that forensic qualityfingerprints are capturable.
 28. The DNA capture film of claim 27,wherein the material comprises silicone.